Public health concerns linger due to South Platte flooding

Posted:
09/18/2013 05:50:43 PM MDT

Since the City of Sterling's "no flush and limited water use" order is still in effect residents are urged to continue to comply.In order to limit the potential for spread of disease, county officials have secured a large roll-off dumpster that will serve as a waste collection site for Sterling residents.The Northeast Colorado Health Department recommends that this method of disposal should take the place of storing waste outside your home.The site is located at the Sterling ball field across from Home Depot; there will be instructions on how to properly dispose of the bags posted at that location and the site will be monitored by Waste Management.

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In addition to the waste collection site, more portable toilets, including some that are ADA-compliant, are on the way from several contractors and are being placed as evenly as possible on city property throughout Sterling.Locations of these include:

Columbine Park 1401 S. 3rd Ave., 2 ADA, 19 Regular

Earl Franklin Park 201 Front St., 8 Regular

MacGregor Hall 1200 N. 5th St., 2 ADA, 5 Regular

Pioneer Park 17615 Highway 14, 1 ADA, 12 Regular

Pioneer Park Ball fields 13075 CR 37, 2 ADA, 10 Regular

Prairie Park 807 Elm St., 2 ADA, 20 Regular

Propst Park 615 Elm, 6 Regular

Sterling Middle School 1177 Pawnee St., 1 ADA, 10 Regular

Wisdom Park 320 Plainview, 10 Regular

As long as the "no flush, limited water use" order remains in effect, many licensed retail food, body art, childcare and pool facilities in Sterling will remain closed until the wastewater treatment pumps are working.The only facilities that are open are those serving pre-packaged, single-serve items.

"These conditions are far from ideal and we acknowledge that wholeheartedly," said Dr. Tony Cappello, NCHD"s public health director."But whatever issues we've got going right now, we will get through them together. We have so much to be thankful for, most importantly the fact we have had no injuries or deaths as a result of this flooding, our strength in community and our partnerships will get us though the hurdles we still have to face.We are being inconvenienced right now in a way we are not used to, but there is so much going on behind the scenes that has brought us together, and unfortunately some people may never witness that.This is a strong, resilient community and one of the things we do best out here is pull together in tough times.I am very proud of the way members of this community have stepped up to volunteer and offer solutions and hope that attitude continues."

As the city moves into the cleanup phase of this situation, NCHD has made several provisions for those affected by cleanup and flooding.Any resident in NCHD's jurisdiction that had their well compromised by flood waters can get their well water tested by NCHD for total coliforms and E.coli free of charge.Only those wells that had flood waters cover the well head need to be tested for contamination related to the flooding.A sterile bottle is required and can be picked up at any NCHD office.Instructions on how to disinfect a private well are located on our website, www.nchd.org.

In addition, NCHD has secured 500 doses of TD (tetanus, diphtheria) vaccine to give also free of charge to those working directly with flood waters, debris and those handling sewage.The vaccine is expected to arrive in the next couple of days and we highly encourage those who come in contact with flood materials to get vaccinated.As we don'thave the vaccine in hand yet, we don't have vaccination clinic dates set up.Once we do we will put information out regarding times and dates.Once we get through the priority list we will open the vaccine up to others as we receive additional supplies.

Health officials would also like to put out another reminder that residents stay away from flood waters and piles of debris, as both of these should be considered contaminated and hazardous.

The Northeast Colorado Health Department has continued to update their website with flood information resources.New information posted today includes several facts sheets on flood topics in both English and Spanish, a fact sheet on how to clean up if sewage backs up into your residence, and the proper solutions to sanitize with bleach.The information is all available electronically on their website, www.nchd.org, and has also been printed off and is available in both their Sterling and Fort Morgan offices.

For more information regarding any public health issues related to the flooding, please call (970) 867-4918.

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